Ex Army personnel alleges corruption in purchase of goods, High Court asks him to give names

Express News Service Posted: Nov 26, 2008 at 0055 hrs IST

Alleging largescale corruption in the purchase of goods and ration in the Army, a former Army personnel has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court demanding an independent inquiry into the matter. The Court has asked him to file an affidavit naming the officers involved, within two weeks.
Ajit Singh Dahiya, who has not mentioned his rank in the petition, claimed that he was president of Haryana wing of Mahavir Kranti Dal, Ambala. He appeared in person today before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice Jasbir Singh.

Dahiya has made seven Brigadiers, 10 officers of Colonel rank and a Major, party to the case. Dahiya has alleged that senior Army officers charge a commission of 35 per cent on the contracts given to various contractors to make purchases. Dahiya claims that in order to expose 'corruption' in the Army, he made a firm under the name of R K Traders and supplied various types of equipment to the Army.

He has said that he has done a ‘sting operation’ of various Army officers and has collected evidence against them. He served in Ordinance Corps, where most of the Army purchases take place.

However, the Court asked the petitioner if he is aware of the consequences if the petition turns out to be false. “Your own hands are soiled”, the Court remarked. In response, Dahiya said he is ready to face any consequences but wants the 'corruption' to be exposed.
He has stated he has written to various senior Army officers demanding action. “A letter was written to the Chief Justice of India who asked the CBI to look into the matter on May 31, 2007 but CBI did not take any action,” reads the petition.

Chouhan Satvinder Singh Sisodia, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that the CBI did not take any action on the representation made by him, stating that Dahiya has not been able to provide any material evidence to prove the accusations. Several items which are cheaper and easily available through CSD service, are also being procured from the local market with ulterior motives, he has alleged.

Ex Army personnel alleges corruption in purchase of goods, High Court asks him to give names

Comment: This is an all India phenomena and not solely confined to Punjab and Haryana. Even low level army officers demand anywhere from 10% to 20% on local purchases as cut/ bribe. The disease is endemic. The defence forces need to find a antidote hurriedly before the command and control structure completely collapses. The need of the hour is to preserve the honour and dignity of a soldier. Corrupt soldiers can never win a battle!